Divine Relationships: A Journey of Faith and Forgiveness 

ג’ דפורענותא

Yirmiyahu 2:4 - 2:28, 3:4

Sephardim Yirmiyahu 2:4 - 28, 4:1-2

In our Haftorah, Yirmiyahu uses several metaphors to describe the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people. These include bride and groom, husband and wife, and parent and child. The shifting relationship dynamics presented by the Navi beg the question: why? Why continuously switch from bride-groom to husband-wife to parent-child? While each of these relationships has its unique dynamic, the transitions suggest a profound message, particularly poignant during the Three Weeks.

Mrs. Racheli Luftglass, in her presentation several years ago for the OU Women’s Initiative ALIT Beit Midrash program, suggested that the different human relationships Yirmiyahu describes indicate the multifaceted nature of the relationship between Hashem and His people. Beyond using these various relationships to persuade the people to return to Hashem, the Navi communicates a subtle but powerful message.

Faithfulness, commitment, and unfortunately, betrayal have been part of our history. How can one return, both in terms of trust and halachically, when one has been unfaithful? To assure the people that Hashem will accept them no matter what they’ve done to undermine and reject His love, He introduces the parent-child dynamic. While a husband and wife relationship is one of choice, the parent and child relationship is not; it is of one’s own flesh and blood. No matter how betrayed the parent feels, there is a bond that transcends—it represents a level of commitment that cannot be undone. Our commitment to Hashem is ultimately like that of parent and child. While perhaps damaged, it will withstand betrayal and abandonment.

The Three Weeks is a period when we are charged with undoing the wanton hatred that destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. We are told that any generation that does not see the Beit HaMikdash rebuilt in its time is as if it was destroyed in its days. We should seize the opportunity to see the potential for human connection, the goodness in people, and the ability to repair relationships. In this way, we will ultimately experience the redemption, may it be speedily in our day.